Vision and measures

We are working towards a shared vision. It is still too early to present this, but there are already a number of shared ideas, both about the problems and the possibilities.

Targets

  • Together with all our partners, we want the Kop van Drenthe to remain attractive for recreation, living, and working, with beautiful scenery, strong nature, biodiversity, and a healthy agricultural sector.
  • The area approach focuses on water management, preservation of cultural and historical values, and striking a balance between economic and ecological interests.
  • We want a climate-proof Kop van Drenthe where we take measures to better manage drought and flooding. This will ensure that the area remains livable.

Importance of water management 

  • All parties emphasize the importance of water management. Nature conservation organizations, the water board, and the province want to retain water in the upstream area to prevent drought and flooding. 
  • The water board emphasizes utilizing the sponge effect of the landscape. This allows us to retain water more effectively and cope with extreme weather conditions. 
  • Municipalities recognize the importance of reducing sewer overflows and want to work together on solutions for flooding in village centers.

Climate

All parties recognize the need to adapt the area to climate change, with measures to better manage drought and flooding. The province and the water board want to work specifically on a climate-proof water and nature system.

Water and soil management

Water and soil are important for the future. This means that functions are placed in logical locations that are appropriate for the natural water and soil system. The historical landscape can help with this, and future changes can improve the landscape.

Possible measures

Based on the analyses conducted, various measures are being considered. The regional partners will decide, based on a shared vision, which choices will ultimately be made and how the measures will be implemented in practice. More information about possible measures is provided below:

  • Buffering and storage
  • Streams and soil
  • Agriculture
  • Nature
  • Urban area

Buffering and storage

Rainwater in the Kop van Drenthe flows to the Eelder and Peizerdiep systems and ultimately to the Wadden Sea. The area is dependent on local rainwater, as water supply is not possible in most places. The supply of seepage water is particularly limited in summer. In dry summers, water is supplied from the IJsselmeer. 

Water levels in the area rise and fall rapidly. This is due to the limited buffer capacity. Water buffering means that the landscape absorbs water and gradually releases it (also known as the sponge effect). This ensures that climate extremes have less impact on the area. 
Water storage means that water is temporarily stored to prevent flooding. The difference with buffering is that the storage must be emptied quickly. This ensures that there is enough space for the temporary storage of water.

Streams and soil

To slow down the water system and smooth out peaks and troughs in water discharge, various measures can be taken:

  • Extending streams: by adding bends and meanders, the stream becomes longer and can hold more water. This also gives the water more time to sink into the ground and replenish the groundwater supply.
  • Installing weirs: this keeps water in the system for longer. However, weirs are less suitable because fish and other aquatic animals cannot pass through them to move around.  
  • Slow down the flow of water into the main water system: this can be achieved by constructing wadis, reducing the size of farm ditches, adjusting drainage, and improving soil structure and quality. Healthy soil acts like a sponge, absorbing water and releasing it gradually.

The best measures depend on local circumstances. This requires a customized approach.

Agriculture

  • Improvement of water retention capacity. 
  • Improvement of soil quality: improving soil structure and soil life.
  • Retain more water: in the water system.
  • Elimination of bottlenecks through rewetting.
  • Crop adaptation: grass varieties, herb mixtures, and cultivation methods.
  • Risk diversification: deliberate use of dry and wet soils.
  • Use of groundwater for irrigation: may involve risks.
  • Ban on groundwater use: in cases of extreme drought, the government may decide to impose such a ban.
  • More economical irrigation methods: investing in drip irrigation.

Nature

Wetlands play a valuable role in buffering and storing water. However, the water quality must be good. Restoring and using seepage water is important for nature that thrives in poor conditions. Healthy soil helps to capture rainwater and makes nature areas more resistant to climate change. Strong connections between nature areas, with attention to dry landscapes and their biodiversity, ensure that plants, birds, reptiles, and insects can expand and strengthen their habitats.

Urban area

Climate change leads to more heat and drought, but also to flooding in villages. By creating more green spaces, collecting rainwater, and reducing paved surfaces, villages can better withstand these changes.